A library is set to close and demolition works are set to get the green light, ahead of a Basildon redevelopment project, which will include a new NHS diagnosis centre and much more.

The development will see a new library, diagnosis centre, and community spaces at the site of the former The Place, Pitsea Leisure Centre.

The new building will offer services including x-rays, phlebotomy, CT scans and MRI machines and it's expected to serve over 250,000 people annually, with bosses hoping to reduce waiting times and improve access to healthcare.

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, Basildon Council and Essex County Council are working together on the project. The county council is set to give the go-ahead to temporarily close Pitsea Library ahead of the redevelopment and temporarily extend the opening hours of the service at Vange Library.

The county council is also preparing to give the NHS Mid and South Essex Foundation Trust the green light to send in the bulldozers to knock down and to rebuild Pitsea Library and build the new multimillion-pound multi-purpose facility. 

The authority is also set to agree to allocate an additional £668,000 of funding towards the construction of a replacement library and is also preparing to agree £150,000 of funding for the initial set-up costs of the new Library in 2026/27.

Under the proposals, the ground floor will mainly consist of council space and some NHS services. The first floor will consist of NHS services only.

The library will consist of a main floor space for books, a quiet space and a children's library. IT equipment will be available for customers to use. It will also have an accessible toilet, a work room for staff and a meeting room plus two car parking spaces. Service users will be able to use the public toilets on the ground floor opposite the library.

Documents from an Essex County Council meeting state completion of the development is set to be in October 2026.

The documents also state the development will help to create "a strong, inclusive, and sustainable economy; a high-quality environment; a good place for children and families to grow, and promote health, care and wellbeing for all ages."

The document adds: "Co-location of the library provision within a modern accessible purpose-built building will better connect residents to public services such as education, healthcare, and healthy lifestyle support. It will also create employment opportunities for local residents. Local health appointments will reduce the impact on waiting lists and will encourage better use of public transport and other sustainable modes of travel. The build will also enhance pride of place with improved public amenities enabling the regeneration of the town and encouraging economic activity through increased education and social participation."